In a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President awarded a total of 42 artists in five categories for the year 2017, including a joint award to Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha for their contribution in Hindustani vocal music.

Talking to PTI on the sidelines of the event, Janmajoy Saibabu appreciated the recognition granted after “a continuous struggle for 47 years”.
“Of course the field is full of struggle but the joy of bringing your state’s culture in front of people is beyond words. I am hopeful that after seeing the art of chhau getting recognised more young people will come forward to keep it alive,” Saibabu said.

Nine noted artists from the field of theatre also received the prestigious award.
Abhiram Damodar Bhadkamkar for playwriting, Sunil Ganesh Shanbag and Bapi Bose for direction, Hema Singh, Deepak Virat Tiwari, and Anil Tickoo for acting, Nuruddin Ahmed for stagecraft, Avtar Sahni for lighting, and Shougrakpam Hemanta Singh for Manipur’s Shuman Leela received the award in the field of theatre.

The West Bengal folk music, Baul, made it to the awards for the first time.

Calling it her “life’s mission” to take Baul across the world, Parvathy Baul felt content with the recognition the art form has received.

“I have practised all these years, more than that I have practised ‘saadhana’. Those who want to take it forward and create something new will have to focus on the inner sadhana. Baul or any art form should not be taken up as a career option,” the folk singer said.

Anwar Khan Manganiyar also said that “the younger generations should learn from their ancestors, else this art will be forgotten”.

“Every child that is born in Rajasthan is born with music in his blood, but they also have to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, grandfathers to continue this legacy. I’m thankful to the government for recognising the artists and their art,” Manganiyar told PTI.

Sandhya Purecha for her overall contribution and Vijay Verma for his scholarship in the field of performing arts also received the award.